Work on Calderdale Green Belt land is NOT for housing development

Green Belt land at Rose Cottage Farm on Green Lane, in Shelf, has been at the centre of local concern after development began without any planning notices or warning.

Planning has been approved on the land to restore two defunct barns, owned by Mr M. Taylor, who runs Rose Cottage Farm.

A representative of Mr Taylor, Anthony Atkinson, of Acorus Rural Property Services, said: "The [current] buildings at Rose Cottage Farm compromise of brick and concrete block structures, with box profile sheeting to the roofs.

"The buildings in terms of their design (i.e. size and height) are not suitable of modern farm practices for housing livestock.

"There is an approved planning permission to extend and refurbish the existing farmhouse. The latest proposals are to replace the existing dilapidated farm structures with new farm buildings."

In order to gain access to the site a temporary road has been built, at the expense of hedgerows and a stone wall, which Brian Crossley of Shelf and Northowram Local Plan Forum said resulted in loss of habitat.

The concerns raised come after Calderdale Council revealed plans for 359 extra homes to be built on seven Green Belt sites across Shelf and Northowram.

"In place of the stone wall is a barbwire fence, which is dangerous to young children and other footpath users, who want to use the public right of way.

"The issue for me isn't the farmer building a new farmhouse, which he's entitled to do, the issue is the removal of habitat and the fact the public pathway is now in a non-usable state."

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Councillor Jane Scullion said: “Whilst we encourage development of empty properties into homes, it’s vital any works are in keeping with surroundings, and are in line with original plans."

Concerns were raised by residents about the development, including Mr Crossley who also originally thought the site would see extra housing.

“Following complaints about potential planning breaches at this site on Green Lane, in Shelf, our planning officer visited and spoke to the owner about their plans," said Ms Scullion.

“No breaches of planning regulations were found to be taking place, as the access to the site is temporary and has been created to serve the works, which have the necessary permissions in place.

“Once works are complete, this access should be removed. If not, the owner would need to seek permission for a permanent access road.”